The Passing Cloud

By Muhammad Awais Aftab

O! The passing cloud!
Tell me
Have you brought my beloved's love note?
Is your dark, gloomy colour
The colour of her thoughts?
These drops you sprinkle on me
Are they the tears from her eyes?
These circulating birds you escort
Do they echo the songs she sings for me?
The cool hasty wind brushing my face
Are they the kisses she has sent for me?
Torment me not, O Cloud!
I can feel her presence in you
The way you touch the strings of my heart
Evoking a music, so sweet and sad
Has not my lover taught you this?
And yet again
You remind me of my beloved's lips
Smiling, stunning but silent
Speak not, if you so wish
But drench me then -
Drench me in your rain
Drench me in my lover's tears!

Published in Us Magazine today.
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2007-weekly/us-13-04-2007/p24.htm#1